The precinct official plays a critical role in a successfully-run election. This individual is the face of the election to the voters and is the first to give the impression of what experience the voter will have voting.

QUALIFICATIONS
(excerpts from North Carolina General Statutes 163-41)

"Persons appointed must be registered voters and residents of the county in which the precinct is located, of good repute, and able to read and write."

"No person shall be eligible to serve as a precinct official & who holds any elective office under the government of the United States or of North Carolina or any political subdivision there of."

"No person shall serve who is a candidate for nomination or election."

"No person shall be eligible who holds any office in any state congressional district, county or precinct political party or political organization or who is a manager or treasurer for any candidate or political party."

HOW APPOINTED

The Chief Judge and two Judges are appointed by the three member County Board of Elections based on recommendations from the County Democratic party chair, County Republican party chair and the Craven County Board of Elections Director for a two-year term beginning in August of odd-numbered years.

-Customarily Craven County Board of Elections has appointed Chief Judges from the same party as the current NC Governor. This is not mandated by NC General Statutes.

-Craven County Board of Elections has appointed Chief Judges and Judges. Assistants are selected from recommendations from the parties, Precinct Officials, applications, etc. by the Board of Elections and appointed just for Election Days.

CHIEF JUDGES

The Chief Judge is the head official and is in charge of contacting the voting location and the other officials to make arrangements for each election. The Chief Judge must plan and organize the polling location and be available the Monday before the election for set-up of the polling location. The Chief Judge is responsible for handling Election Day activities, assigning duties, solving problems, and accountable for certification of the Election results from their precinct. This individual is also responsible for picking up Election Day supplies prior to each election and returning supplies after the polls close. The Chief Judge must become knowledgeable of the Chief Judge manual including all election laws, procedures and materials. The Chief Judge must sign all required official documents. Mandatory instructional training will be provided for each election. The Chief Judges are required to attend the Precinct Officials training, and the laptop training. Two year appointment from August to August of odd-numbered years.

Preference: 1-3 years of election experience, experience in managerial situations, great communication skills, experience in using a laptop, organizational skills, comfortable in using a laptop, able to lift or move voting equipment, etc., and able to be impartial and calm in handling highly-stressful situations.

JUDGES

The Judges work closely with the Chief Judge and must be available the Monday before the election for set-up of the polling location. They must become knowledgeable of the Judge manual including all election laws, procedures and materials. All Precinct Judges must sign all official documents and serve as a quasi-judicial body to solve any challenges. Precinct Judges must be accountable for the certification of Election results from their precinct. They may be on the registration desk (computer knowledge and laptop training is required), hand out ballots or other duties assigned by the Chief Judge. If Chief Judge is vacant, will be required to step up in the Chief Judge position. Mandatory instructional training will be provided for each election. The Judges are required to attend the Precinct Officials training, and the laptop training if on the registration desk. Two year appointment from August to August of odd-numbered years.

Preference: 1-3 years of election experience, great communication skills, comfortable in using a laptop, able to lift or move voting equipment, etc., and able to be impartial and calm in handling highly-stressful situations.

ASSISTANTS

The Assistants serve when needed and at the direction of the Chief Judge. They will serve as:

Assistants may be required to attend instructional training for each election.

Election Day appointments only.

Preference: Great communication skills, able to follow instructions, comfortable in using a laptop, able to stand long periods of time, and able to be impartial and calm in handling highly-stressful situations

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Craven County has the potential to host three (3) or more elections in even numbered years and two (2) elections in odd numbered years. All Precinct Officials shall be at the polls before they open and remain until after the polls have closed and all work is complete. The day before the election Precinct Officials shall set-up the polling locations and review procedures.

Elections are always held on Tuesdays.

All polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Each precinct/polling location must be staffed with: a Chief Judge, a Republican Judge, and a Democratic Judge. Additional Assistants are staffed based on type of election and past voter turnout.

SPECIAL TRAINING/COMPENSATION

GS 163-46 requires all officials to attend training sessions conducted by the Board of Elections prior to each major primary and general election. The Chief Judge and Judges are issued a Precinct Election Officials' Manual at the required training session. Officials receive training concerning specific issues affecting the upcoming election. Precinct election officials are paid to attend these training sessions in addition to election day compensation.

ELECTION DAY CHECKLIST FOR OFFICIALS

Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers for optimum comfort to account for varying polling place temperatures.

Leave your campaign buttons, political jewelry and political slogan T-shirts at home.

Discussion of politics is not permitted while working at the polls.

Arrange for enough food and drinks for the entire day.

Smoking is not permitted in the voting enclosure.

IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED.....

The Craven County Board of Elections always needs capable precinct election officials. If you would like more information on becoming a precinct election official, contact your political party or e-mail our precinct officials coordinator at cravenboe@cravencountync.gov.

As you can see, your precinct election officials work long hours in demanding conditions to ensure fair and accurate elections. The next time you vote, be sure to thank your election officials for serving!